Course Components

The core courses address the theoretical and conceptual bases for nursing practice, and the underpinnings of professional leadership. Hallmarks of Scholarly Inquiry introduce the doctoral student to the scholarly process of dissertation research preparation. Ethics: The Foundation of Leadership explores traditional and contemporary ethical principles and core nursing values in order to develop students’ complex analytical skills. Nursing Concept Analysis through the Humanities allows students to investigate phenomena important to nursing and explore them through the lens of the humanities. Students will also develop theoretical connections and philosophical reflections as a basis for future theory construction. Students gain exposure to the United States health care system and the organizations and public and corporate policies that shape and influence it as a background for nursing leadership in the Scholarship of Health Care Organizations and Policy. In Philosophical Evolution of Nursing Knowledge, elements of philosophy of science are used as a guide to exploration of the evolution of nursing science. Nursing theory construction is examined as a foundation for research.

Research - 15 Credits

In the research cluster, students explore the tools that will allow them to build their research skills. A strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative methods is offered in Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, and a choice of either Advanced Quantitative or Qualitative Analysis. Research Residency affords students learning opportunities encompassing all aspects of the research process. In Hallmarks of Scholarly Design and Implications, students deepen the connection with dissertation research, with a particular emphasis on proposal development as well as implications for the nursing profession.

Leadership and Education – 6 Credits

Leadership themes are threaded throughout the curriculum assuring preparation for leadership in health policy and organizations. Leadership Innovations and Interventions allow students to examine the complex interaction of forces shaping organizations and policy nationally and globally. Nursing Education: Principles, Dynamics, and Innovations provide students with teaching experience and knowledge necessary for doctoral graduates of the future.

Cognates – 6 Credits Minimum

This component allows students to pursue an individualized plan of study that builds a specialized area of competence and supports their research interests and career goals. A portion of the cognate courses is ordinarily chosen from other disciplines (minimum of 3 credits) that contribute to the development of nursing knowledge through theoretical and/or methodological approaches. Students may be approved to take courses from appropriate academic institutions. Up to 6 credits may be applied as cognates with prior approval from the student's advisor and the Director of the Doctoral Program.

Dissertation – 9 Credits

• Seminar - 3 Credits
• Dissertation Progression - 6 Credits
• Dissertation Continuation - 1 Credit per semester until graduation (Optional)

The dissertation is the culmination of doctoral study. Dissertation Progression is taken after the completion of all required coursework, and provides the opportunity for the student to develop and refine the dissertation. Following the Dissertation Seminar, the student registers for Dissertation Progression and then, if needed, Dissertation Continuation. The student must be registered in the semester that the completed dissertation is defended and submitted to the Office of Graduate Academic Affairs.

Research Residency – 3 Credits

The Research Residency is an experiential learning activity (3 credits total) guided by the School of Nursing faculty member in which the student works with a leader in health care who serves as a preceptor. Flexibility is possible in formulating the research immersion experience in either a 3-credit block or as a combination of 3 credits in multiple semesters. The Research Residency course provides opportunity for doctoral students to immerse themselves directly in research activities under the supervision of a research mentor for each credit. Relevant research experiences include developing a research question and plan, writing a research proposal, preparing an IRB application, preparing for the conduct of research, data coding and preparation, conducting human research, analyzing data, publishing and disseminating research, and planning for future research.

Students planning to enroll in the residency are interviewed to determine their research goals and objectives, analyze their professional and educational backgrounds and experiences, and identify an appropriate experience. Students will collaborate with faculty and their preceptor to develop individualized objectives based on the course objectives of the Research Residency. Faculty will confer regularly with the students and the preceptors to plan experiences, monitor performance, and generally serve as a resource to students in the Residency. Students produce a scholarly, analytical report integrating the analysis of (a) theoretical model(s) with the experience.

Health Policy Immersion Experience – 3 Credits

As part of the course NUR 6030, students will be involved in a leadership development immersion experience that includes a focus on health policy. In class, students will discuss the United States health care system and the organizations and public/private policies that shape and influence it, which may lead to shape the research questions they formulate in their program of study. As part of this experience, students will have an immersion opportunity to engage with policy organizations that influence health policy at the national, state, and local levels. This will include experiential learning in conjunction with an educational experience with policy partners in Washington, D.C. The week long institute includes direct observation of high level organizational and government policy officials. This experience will be planned and confirmed in the semester prior to the experience. Details will be discussed.

Additional information: Ph.D. Program Information